Seegene Signs MOU with KAIST to Promote Joint Research in Molecular Diagnostics

Establishment of Future Research Cooperation Center and Discovery of Mid- to Long-Term Industry-Academia Collaboration Models

President Kwang-Hyung Lee of KAIST (left) and Jong-Yoon Chun, CEO of Seegene, are taking a commemorative photo in front of the mobile station installed at KAIST after signing the agreement on the 21st. (Photo by Seegene)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Seegene announced on the 20th that it has signed a comprehensive memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) for joint research and development and the establishment of a research cooperation center to advance next-generation molecular diagnostics.

The signing ceremony, held at KAIST in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, was attended by about 10 representatives from both sides, including Seegene CEO Cheon Jong-yoon and KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung. Through this agreement, Seegene will collaborate with research teams from KAIST’s College of Life Science and College of Engineering on joint research and development for molecular diagnostic technologies and new biomarkers for next-generation molecular diagnostic platforms. They also plan to explore the establishment of a research cooperation center and the development of mid- to long-term industry-academia cooperation models. As a result, Seegene will be able to utilize KAIST’s research infrastructure alongside its own research personnel.

Additionally, Seegene installed a mobile testing laboratory called the ‘Mobile Station’ on the KAIST campus for research purposes. They plan to take necessary measures to allow students, faculty, and staff who wish to be tested for COVID-19 and other diseases to use the facility in the future. The Mobile Station is an on-site testing facility that can complete PCR tests for COVID-19 and various other viruses in one go at the desired location. Equipped with Seegene’s ‘One Platform’ testing system, it takes only 3.5 hours from sample collection to PCR test results. The maximum daily testing capacity reaches up to 7,500 people.

Seegene CEO Cheon Jong-yoon said, “Through this agreement, we can collaborate with KAIST’s top-tier researchers in Korea to advance molecular diagnostic technology. This will be a great opportunity to accelerate the integration of molecular diagnostics into daily life through new technology development.” KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung stated, “KAIST and Seegene’s joint research collaboration will develop new molecular diagnostic technologies that will lead the world and significantly contribute to strengthening the international competitiveness of Korea’s bio-medical industry.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.